Student growth at California State University Long Beach meant it was time for the university to start expanding. In particular, the science program needed a new state-of-the-art facility. AECOM Hunt drew on our extensive experience with similar higher education buildings to deliver the new facility, which features 160,000 SF of research, teaching, office and lab space on four floors.
The building serves the biology, physics, sciences, education, chemistry and geology departments. Entering the building, visitors are greeted by a main lobby bustling with student activity, fed by the immediate adjacency of four of the building’s largest classrooms and a conference center.
As with any campus job, ensuring student safety in a confined space, while not disturbing the daily activity of the university, was a key concern. Restricted working hours and careful coordination of deliveries were critical in keeping disruptions to a minimum. In the end, client said they couldn’t have been more pleased with the work performed and the quality of the result. “Having Hunt on board made us feel comfortable that they are looking after our best interest. They care about the ultimate end product to the University,” Associate VP Mark Zakhour said.
LEED Silver certification was achieved through numerous features such as a rooftop-mounted solar photovoltaic array, water-efficient landscaping, low-flow plumbing fixtures and adjustable lighting and thermostats. The Hall of Science provides CSULB with the tools to continue to grow, accommodating more students with greater flexibility.